Goodrich, James T.
NERVE INJURIES. OPERATIVE RESULTS FOR MAJOR NERVE INJURIES, ENTRAPMENTS, AND TUMORS. David G. Kline and Alan R. Hudson. Medical illustrations by Eugene New. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders, 1995. $130.00, 611 pp.
This book on peripheral-nerve injures and their medical and operative treatment was written by two of the leading neurosurgeons in the field. After having worked in collaboration for more than fifteen years, the authors used their vast and comprehensive experience to develop a unified concept for the treatment of some of the most vexing and complex problems related to these injuries.
The book's strength rests on a number of factors, but the most important is that it was written by only two people, both of whom are extremely familiar with the subject. This dual authorship has resulted in a well written work with a total lack of redundancy and a readability that remains consistent throughout.
The book begins with a discussion of clinical and laboratory evaluation, followed by a presentation of the techniques designed for each situation. Postoperative management as well as potential complications are reviewed to provide completeness. As the title indicates, all forms of peripheral-nerve injuries are dealt with, including lacerations, contusions, entrapments, and tumors.
The chapters are broken down anatomically by region, making it remarkably easy to locate information about problems associated with certain nerve syndromes and injuries. Each chapter begins with a short, concise paragraph summarizing what is to be discussed and ends with a bibliography.
The authors present their findings in a clear and succinct style. Each chapter is well illustrated with operative photographs. Additional photographs show the clinical presentation of various nerve injuries, with individual patients demonstrating specific loss of nerve function.
The authors' honesty about long-term outcomes and what can be expected with various peripheral-nerve injuries enhances the volume. This kind of long-term follow-up requires years of practice; I cannot think of another work that even comes close to providing such comprehensive data with regard to these injuries.
This work is, without question, destined to become a classic. I highly recommend it for the library of any physician who is even remotely interested in the peripheral nerves. Librarians would be totally remiss not to add it to their collection; in fact, I suggest that they buy two copies, as each will be well used.
James T. Goodrich, M.D., Ph.D.
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